Bald eagle dies after being rescued from Florida storm drain

ORLANDO, Fla. — The bald eagle who captured the internet’s heart last week after photos and video of it stuck in a storm drain went viral has died, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey said Tuesday on Facebook.

The eagle died Monday night after a painful battle with both external and internal injuries.

“Our team, along with Dr. Robert Hess and the staff at the Winter Park Veterinary Hospital made every attempt to save this beautiful bird,” said Katie Warner, Center director. “We’re going to continue educating the community on why we must conserve Florida’s environment to help prevent future loss of our nation’s symbol of freedom. We’d like to thank the community for the outpouring of support.”

Authorities were able to pull the bird out of the storm drain last Thursday after another eagle rested on top of it, some thought for protection purposes.

The eagle was taken to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey where staff worked to treat the bird’s injuries, including puncture wounds to her feet, legs and chest.

On Monday, the Center said on Facebook that the eagle was not recovering as well as they had hoped.

“She has been moved into intensive care,” the post reads. “Audubon’s expert bird care team has been consulting with specialists to provide the best treatment and care for the injured eagle.

“So far, we’ve discovered she may have fluid around her heart or air in her abdomen indicating additional internal injuries. Right now, she’s fighting for her life, and we’re fighting to save her.”